Pakka Limited (formerly known as Yash Pakka Limited), a manufacturer of compostable packaging solutions, has launched India’s first compostable flexible packaging. The new innovation will be launched in partnership with Brawny Bear, a nutrition company that uses the natural sweetness of dates to make delicious healthy food products. This represents a significant stride forward for India’s packaging market, which is valued at over $70 billion.
The flexible packaging segment takes the lion share of the packaging market in India, accounting for over 60% of the total. It has a ubiquitous presence in our daily lives, encompassing an array of products that range from the shampoo sachets to biscuit packets. This adaptable form of packaging has become an essential aspect of modern living due to its convenience, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. However, as convenience has flourished, so too has the concern over the environmental repercussions of conventional flexible packaging, most of which is made from non-biodegradable plastics. Due to the multi-layered structure and low thickness of flexible packaging, it is near impossible to recycle most types of flexible packaging. Pakka Limited’s foray into flexible packaging is the natural evolution for the company that has dedicated four decades to producing compostable pulp and paper packaging solutions and molded tableware. With plans to produce such packaging solutions in significant volumes in the next three years, the company’s global manufacturing facilities in Ayodhya, India and Guatemala, America are poised to become hubs of innovation and production.
The launch of India’s first compostable flexible packaging comes amidst a growing global market for such solutions. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Indian packaging market is set to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2023 to 2028. While the average per capita consumption of flexible packaging stands at 28 kg worldwide, India currently stands at 11 kg per capita, showcasing an untapped market with enormous growth potential.
The collaboration with Brawny Bear, India’s first date-based food manufacturer, encapsulates Pakka’s ethos of compostability. Brawny Bear’s date-based food products include chocolates, chikki, nut butters, Milkshake/energy powders, and natural sweeteners.
Pakka’s pioneering compostable flexible packaging encompasses a range of key features that exemplify its vision to contribute towards a cleaner plant. The packaging comes with food grade compliance, heat-sealable to boast a certified compostable status, high barrier to avoid exposure, premium quality, lightweight and affordable.
Shivaam Tibrewal (Founder), Brawny Bear said, “Brawny Bear’s unwavering mission is to deliver health-conscious consumers with an array of Healthy No Added Sugar Foods that redefine the boundaries of quality and flavor. Simultaneously, we are dedicated to fostering a sustainable business ecosystem that echoes our core values. This vision finds its perfect ally in an exciting new partnership with Pakka that embodies Brawny Bear’s objectives. By joining forces, we are empowered to showcase our offerings in packaging that not only underscores our dedication to well-being but also to the preservation of our environment. We view this partnership as a transformative step towards crafting a planet that thrives on wellness and cleanliness. Our commitment to customers extends beyond just taste and quality – it now encompasses a shared vision for a greener, healthier world.”
Ved Krishna, Strategy Head, Pakka said,” We are so excited and proud to be associated with Brawny Bear chocolates, a company that is truly committed towards sustainability. We have been working on evolving a compostable packaging solution for years and this will be our first launch. I would like to thank the Brawny Bear team for their trust in us and for their desire to contribute towards a healthier and cleaner planet. We wish them all the success.”
About Pakka Limited
Pakka (legal entity known as Pakka Limited) is a company that is revolutionizing the Indian packaging industry with its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Founded in 1981 as Yash Papers Limited, the company has since evolved to become a global leader in compostable packaging solutions. Its purpose is to leave a cleaner planet for future generations by providing compostable and regenerative alternatives to non-compostable multilayer flexible packaging, single-use plastics and Styrofoam, which can take hundreds of years to degrade.
In addition, the main production facility generates its own electricity with an 8.5 MW plant that runs on 100% biomass-based energy. The raw materials and fuel used in the facility are locally sourced, and they recover 95% of the cooking chemicals used in manufacturing. The company has a strong focus on innovation and R&D and is working on path-breaking products and processes for fiber, pulp, paper, biopolymers, molded products, waste lines, and more. Pakka has a team of over 450 employees around the world. The majority of the workforce at the manufacturing facility in Ayodhya live in nearby towns and villages.
